6 Reasons to Learn Calligraphy

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I read recently that learning calligraphy refines one’s temperament. Well, mine certainly needs refining. But why should you learn calligraphy besides you feel it in your “bones” you want to do it? These are a few reasons I have.


Calligraphy is not expensive to learn. It’s a silly reason if it’s your only one. It’s an important factor if you already are artsy. 

 You can get basic supplies for less than $20. I don’t recommend commercial kits; you can gather your own higher quality materials for about the same price.


As with many scribes, I started calligraphy using a Manuscript cartridge pen. You can buy this set for under $10 from Walmart or Michaels.

I use a smooth paper for practice like for laser printers. Regular printer paper causes the ink to bleed. With laser paper, you can also print your own practice guidelines or layout grid.


The possibilities to explore with calligraphy are endless. After learning the basics I enjoyed experimenting. I learned different script styles so I could fit the script to the recipent’s SCA persona. I explored dip pens and nibs, historic inks and different supports. There’s even more variety of play if you don’t stick within the SCA period.


Anyone interested can do calligraphy. Baring physical handicaps, calligraphy can be done by anyone enthused about it. 

I like it because it’s good for the brain. Learning  excites the synapses. My grandkids are lucky they’re in a school that still teaches writing. They’ll grow into adults that can visualize unique letters shapes while others only talk to a computer.


Calligraphy develops my detail observance. The lettering pen stroke, ink flow, and thick-to-thin change draw out my minute attention. This helps my illumination too.


I have instant gratification by making things with my hands. It‘s even relaxing. Lettering a few words takes little time and it’s even improved my cursive. 

I have to practice to get stunning letters but that happens sooner than you think. The next script I try will be even easier to learn. And more fun.


My calligraphy before I painted Zaneta’s Cross scroll.

In the SCA the biggest reason to learn calligraphy is independence. Often there isn’t much time to complete a scroll before its planned presentation date. When I do both the lettering and the illumination I have more time to work on that scroll. I’m also in charge of the awards final appearance.
I’m sure I’ve missed some reasons to learn calligraphy. And, they may be different for modern calligraphers. These are the reasons that come from my life and the SCA.
Prior Related Posts:
Is Handwriting Doomed?  
How to Select a Calligraphy Guide Book?.
10 Ways to Practice Calligraphy
Working In Tandem

Categories: Musings

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1 Comment »

  1. Pingback: How Do You Write Haiku? – An Itinerant Scribe

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